Bearded seals are indeed polygynous, meaning that males have multiple female partners during the breeding season. This is supported by various observations of their behavior, including aggressive interactions between males and displays of bubble-blowing.
During the breeding season, male bearded seals engage in intense competition for access to females. They establish territories on the ice and defend them against rival males. These territories often overlap, leading to frequent encounters and conflicts.
One of the fascinating behaviors displayed by male bearded seals during this time is bubble-blowing. They vocalize and blow bubbles underwater, creating a spectacle that is both visually and acoustically impressive. This behavior is believed to be part of their aggressive displays, used to intimidate rivals and assert dominance.
The vocalizations produced by male bearded seals during bubble-blowing are deep and resonant, carrying over long distances through the water. These vocalizations, along with the bubbles, serve as a means of communication between males and potentially attract females as well.
The bubble-blowing behavior is often accompanied by physical combat between males. They may use their large canine teeth to bite and wrestle with each other, trying to establish dominance and secure their access to females. These fights can sometimes result in serious injuries, including deep lacerations and broken teeth.
Observing these interactions and behaviors in the wild provides valuable insights into the mating system of bearded seals. The aggressive nature of males and their willingness to engage in physical combat suggest a polygynous mating system, where dominant males mate with multiple females.
While I have not personally witnessed bearded seals engaging in bubble-blowing or physical combat, I have had the privilege of observing various other marine mammal species during their breeding seasons. These experiences have given me a deeper appreciation for the complexities of mating systems in the animal kingdom and the diverse strategies employed by different species.
The aggressive behavior, bubble-blowing displays, and physical combat observed in male bearded seals during the breeding season indicate that they are indeed polygynous. These behaviors are part of their reproductive strategy to secure access to multiple female partners and maximize their reproductive success.